Churchill spirit can fire Worcester pair in World Cup claims

Worcester's Churchill Cup contingent, Pat Sanderson and Andy Gomarsall, have been told by England coach Joe Lydon that a place at the 2007 World Cup is the potential reward if they can impress in Canada.

Worcester's Churchill Cup contingent, Pat Sanderson and Andy Gomarsall, have been told by England coach Joe Lydon that a place at the 2007 World Cup is the potential reward if they can impress in Canada.

Lydon names his team for the Churchill Cup opener against the hosts later today, as England launch their bid to reclaim the trophy they lost to New Zealand Maori in last year's final.

And, as captain and vice-captain respectively, Sanderson and Gomarsall are in pole position to begin their cases for inclusion in next season's autumn internationals, with strong opening statements.

"We want to create an enjoyable winning environment," said Lydon. "It's all about winning but the long-term picture is we need to assess these players and how they come together as a unit. We also need to see if they fit into our plans for 2007.

"You only need to look back to see how successful these development squads have been. The amount of players who travelled to North America in 2001 and who went on to play in the World Cup or on the current Lions tour shows what a springboard it is.

"Since the start of the Churchill Cup most of the players who have competed in it have gone on to become England regulars. The players realise this is an opportunity to set them up for the future." Sanderson and Gomarsall will be using the tour as a opportunity to reestablish themselves in the thinking of England's head coach, Andy Robinson who is currently on tour with the British and Irish Lions.

A total of 13 players from the first Churchill Cup tournament in 2003, including Josh Lewsey, Trevor Woodman and Martin Corry, went on to win the World Cup later that year.

Sanderson made his first appearance for the Red Rose for four years, in last month's 52-39 defeat with the Barbarians.

Gomarsall's international experience is rather more recent having started all three of last autumn's Tests before losing his place to Harry Ellis and Matt Dawson for the RBS Six Nations.